Morrisey issues debate challenge to McGraw

MARTINSBURG – Republican candidate Patrick Morrisey has challenged Attorney General Darrell McGraw to debate in each of West Virginia's 55 counties.

On Tuesday, McGraw responded.

"In my experience as the chief legal officer of the state, there is always someone who wants to debate some issue of law enforcement," he said at the opening of his office's Eastern Panhandle branch. "You shouldn't mix law enforcement issues into partisan politics."

In response, Morrisey said the matter isn't a partisan one.

"As the chief law enforcement officer of this state up for re-election, the Attorney General must be prepared to be held responsible for his actions," Morrisey said. "This is not a partisan issue. It's simple accountability.

"McGraw's refusal to debate any aspect of his job performance makes it seem like he's holding himself above the law. Why not have honest debate about the challenges facing our state instead of trying to hide from them?"

Last week, Morrisey sent a letter to McGraw issuing the debate challenge.

"Voters in all parts of West Virginia should be able to compare the candidates' experience on the issues and qualifications for public office," Morrisey said. "I look forward to working out the details so that these debates can begin as quickly as possible."